Karnal, Oct. 5 -- Basmati growers of Haryana are eying a rich dividend this year as the Union government's decision to relax the minimum export price (MEP) to US $850 from US $1,200 has led to a sudden rise in the prices of the premium aromatic long-grained basmati rice pushing it beyond Rs.4,000 a quintal.

Reports from the mandis of the basmati belt of Haryana reveal that the prices of the early maturing premium basmati varieties like moochal (duplicate basmati), Pusa 1121 and Pusa 1718 have reached around Rs.4,200 a quintal. Even, as the prices of the lower quality varieties like Pusa 1509 and Pusa 1692 have also witnessed a jump in the past one week since the government relaxed the norms.

"I have sold my produce of two acres at the p...